Children in Day Canter for Seniors - Karmiel-Majd el-Krum Interfaith Encounter in January 2008:

Children of Kalanit School in Kamiel and of A-Sallam School in Majd el-Krum visit Day Center for Senior Citizens in Karmiel

As part of a long time tradition the children visit the Day Center, especially before Holidays. This time we focused on Tu Bishvat.

This connection with the society of senior citizens who have functional limitations provides a unique opportunity for inter-generational encounter that is moving every time.

During the encounter they work together, elderly and children, in creative workshops. But this joint work is only an excuse. The main aim is the special meeting that bridges over both generational gaps and language gaps. One should see the crossing looks, the smiles, the gratitude, and the pictures speak for themselves.

The joy is great and consequently the success of the workshops grows. The kids are excited and want to come every time, with strong sense of pride and satisfaction in this special giving.

Beyond the workshops they sing together and also hold at the Day Center all ceremonies that are held in the school, in order to give the elderly the opportunity to experience some of the atmosphere, to give warmth and love and to strengthen the connection with the community.

This program brings the hearts of the older and younger generations closer together. It includes joint encounters of dialogue and joint activity that invites mutual learning – of the elderly by the children and of the children by the elderly. Both children and adults enjoy the giving and receiving and all feel meaningful and contributing. The encounter diminishes fear of the different and unknown, changes prejudices on elderly people and on cultural differences and educates to respect the other.

We are grateful to the care staff, to our educators and to the students for the success of this project.

Reported by: Najeeba and Osnat

(* We deeply thank the Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds for their kind support to the work of this group this year)
 

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